Join us for a walk on Tuesday 8th July, 10am-12 in Alice Holt forest for woodland butterflies. We should see Silver-washed Fritillary and may be fortunate to see the elusive Purple Emperor and White Admiral. Fetch binoculars for a better view of butterflies that are futher away. Meet at Abbotts Wood Inclosure car park GU10 4HA, off Dockenfield Street, just south-east of the former Halfway House pub. what3words landowner.likely.splendid.

How did our walk go?

A morning of warm sunshine was ideal for woodland butterflies in Alice Holt forest. We enjoyed seeing the variety and numbers of butterflies at Abbotts Wood along with close encounters while they were nectaring. The 17 species spotted are listed in the order that they were seen.
Silver Washed Fritillary (many), Meadow Brown, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Ringlet, Holly Blue, Comma, Large Skipper, Gatekeeper, Small/Essex Skipper, White Admiral, Peacock, Speckled Wood, Common Blue, Purple Hairstreak.
There were no positive sightings of Purple Emperor, although there were tempting flutterings occasionally high up in the trees.
We had not seen as many Silver Washed Fritillaries for a several years and it was lovely to see their courtship flights as well.